Lights & Sirens, Ambulance Theft, Assault Prevention

About this episode

Mike Brown discusses EMS safety strategies with Dr. Douglas Kupas, focusing on practical measures to protect providers and enhance EMS operations.

Mike Brown hosts an EMS Week Safety Day conversation with Dr. Douglas Kupas, president of the National Association of EMS Physicians, on practical strategies to protect providers and transform EMS into integrated healthcare. Topics include evidence on reducing lights-and-sirens use; rising ambulance thefts and simple vehicle interlocks; low-cost countermeasures like 3D‑printed stretcher buckle covers and pager-sized CO detectors in first-due bags; training options for managing assaults and the shift toward treat-in-place, mobile integrated health programs; and reimbursement reform. This talk offers practical, field-tested ideas for agencies, medical directors, and EMS providers who want safer, smarter EMS operations.

People in this episode

Host: Mike Brown

Guest: Dr. Douglas Kupas

Topics covered

• EMS safety
• ambulance theft
• assault prevention
• integrated healthcare
• lights-and-sirens use
• training options
• reimbursement reform

Keywords

• EMS Week
• safety
• ambulance
• assault
• healthcare
• training
• reform

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Association of EMS Physicians

More episodes of EMS Today

• Understanding Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis · June 10, 2026 · 39 min
• Pierce Foundation & Mental Wellness Summits for First Responders · June 8, 2026 · 46 min
• Peer Support, PTSD Care and Resilience · June 4, 2026 · 56 min
• Surviving a Near‑Fatal ER Stabbing · June 1, 2026 · 1h 10m
• Building a National EMS Memorial · May 23, 2026 · 44 min
• Prehospital Blood, POCUS, MIH, AI, and Body Cams · May 22, 2026 · 34 min